Humber Rescue Learn More from Mental Health Service

Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s Mental Health Liaison Service team members Grace and Claire recently visited the Humber Rescue team to deliver an informative and engaging session on mental health services available across the Trust. Their visit provided a valuable opportunity to support the brave individuals working in the Humber Rescue team with the mental health of the people they rescue.

The Mental Health Liaison Service provides 24/7 mental health care to those attending the Emergency Department or whom are inpatients within Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospitals. When patients present with mental health concerns in hospital the team is able to address those needs without the need for moving a patient away from the hospital setting.

The session focused on the types of patients Humber Rescue may encounter during callouts and explored how presentation, communication and life circumstances can shape individual experiences. Grace and Claire facilitated conversations around the acute and unplanned side of mental health care, offering insight into what happens “behind the scenes” once a person has been brought to the attention of services.

Key themes included the role of inpatient units, the difference between informal and formal admissions and the involvement of emergency services in supporting individuals in crisis. Their discussions also addressed some of the reasons why patients may not be admitted to hospital, helping to build a clearer picture of the decision-making processes within mental health services. By outlining care pathways and explaining how support is coordinated, Grace and Claire were able to answer an important question raised by the team: what happens next for the people they rescue, and how are they supported to get the help they need?

A particularly meaningful part of the conversation centred on how individuals communicate distress. The team reflected on the variety of callouts they attend and how mental health crises can present in different ways. Humber Rescue volunteers actively shared their frontline perspectives, offering valuable insights from their experiences and asking thoughtful, practical questions about patient care and outcomes. The open dialogue highlighted the shared commitment across services to safeguarding individuals at their most vulnerable.

The visit itself stemmed from an initiative by Humber Rescue, who recognised the benefit of creating space for the team to better understand the mental health services they frequently interact with.

Following the talk, Grace and Claire were generously invited to join the team for a ride out on the training boat, providing an exceptional opportunity to experience first-hand the dedication and professionalism of the Humber Rescue crew. The experience offered a deeper appreciation of the skill and teamwork involved in their work.

Overall, the visit was a powerful example of partnership working in action. By sharing knowledge and perspectives, both teams strengthened their understanding of one another’s roles, ensuring that individuals in crisis receive compassionate, coordinated and effective support when they need it most.